Top 5 Catholic Funeral Mass Hymns

Written by Rachel Schnebly on October 1 2012

Catholic Funeral hymns are meant to comfort and to inspire faith. Therefore, songs chosen for the Funeral Mass must fall within certain guidelines. Among approved songs, these are the most commonly used Funeral Mass hymns and their messages.

On Eagles Wings
This hymn was composed by minister Michael Joncas in 1979 when the Catholic Church began using contemporary hymns at Mass. The lyrics are based loosely on Psalm 91 and Isaiah 40:31. It quickly became popular as a contemplative song at Catholic Masses as well as other Christian church services. It is often performed at the beginning or end of a Catholic Funeral Mass.

Amazing Grace
John Newton, an English poet and clergyman, wrote the Christian hymn Amazing Grace. The hymn's message is of forgiveness and redemption regardless of sins committed, and that, through God’s mercy, the soul can be saved from despair.

Here I Am Lord
Also known as "I, the Lord of Sea and Sky," "Here I Am Lord" was composed by Dan Schutte in 1981 after Vatican Council II. Its words are based on Isaiah 6:8 and 1 Samuel 3.

Ave Maria
Ave Maria, or Hail Mary, is a Catholic prayer praising the Virgin Mary. The Hail Mary is prayed within the Catholic Church, and forms the basis of the Rosary. It has been set to music numerous times. The most popular renditions are compositions by Charles Gounod, Franz Schubert, and Antonín Dvořák.

The King of Love My Shepherd Is
Henry Williams Baker wrote this sacred hymn based on Psalm 23 of the Holy Bible. This hymn is one of the most beloved renditions of the Twenty-Third Psalm. Verse four of Psalm twenty-three is particularly reflected: "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me."

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